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Just one week after griping about the direction “The Walking Dead” took with Shane’s death, the zombie-filled drama impressed me by ending an up-and-down second season on a major high note.

After a lackluster start to the AMC hit’s second season, last night’s season finale returned to form and was every bit as exciting as the first season.

Following Shane’s demise at the hands of his former best friend, a herd of walkers storm Hershel’s farm. The ensuing chaos and separation of the group leaves several (fringe) characters dead, Hershel’s farm destroyed and Rick fighting between protecting Carl and waiting to reunite with Laurie.

There were several moments that kept viewers on the edge of their seats and transformed characters in ways that no one saw coming.

The once quiet Hershel starts picking off zombies one by one with a shotgun that has a seemingly endless supply of shells. Darryl shows his softer side when he saves Carol, makes an ill-advised joke about Glen’s driving ability and then spurns Carol’s attempt at turning him against Rick.

The biggest transformation that took place was in Rick, the man who just an episode ago was wailing after killing Shane and arguing to save the life of Randall. Rick’s leadership was always questioned prior to Shane’s demise, but last night’s declaration that “this is no longer a democracy” shot down any doubt that Rick would be calling the shots.

Rick’s quick thinking in the barn with Carl showed he has the resourcefulness to lead and his ability to make difficult decisions, such as not revealing what Dr. Jenner said at the CDC, cemented his role as the group’s figurehead. Rick traded in his the wishy-washy voice of reason for a rugged survive-at-all-costs mentality.

Last night’s episode also hinted at the breath of fresh air that is coming with next season. As Andrea scurries through the woods, picking off walkers at an alarming rate, we are introduced to a new, hooded, samurai sword-wielding character that will (hopefully) play a significant role in Season Three. In addition to the newest cast member, the show closes with a shot of an enclosed structure that hints the crew could be heading to a new location for the third season.

For a show that seemed as dead as its cast’s biggest threat at its mid-season finale, “The Walking Dead” proved last night that it is very much alive.